Best Bike Speedometers and Computers to Get in 2024

A bicycle computer gives great insight into your performance and improvement. Those little gadgets are most likely the only electrical devices you want to carry around with you whether you are a recreational cyclist training for your first 100-mile race, or a professional training 6-days a week.

Bike Computer Functionality

Most cyclists use speedometers to judge either their speed in racing or mileage if attempting to cover a specific distance. Bike computers usually feature a display mounted on the handlebars and a sensor mounted on the front fork to calculate speed and distance. They come in many forms, from simply wired speedometers to advanced, wireless data trackers with GPS and other functionalities. 

Brief History of Speedometers

Bicycle speedometers, or CycloComputers, have been around since 1895 when inventor Curtis Veeder built the first mechanical device that measured the rotations of a bike wheel. Since then cycle computers have advanced greatly and now come with digital displays that provide a variety of statistics including speed, mileage, and cadence.

Top Picks

Cheapest Speedometer – CATEYE Velo 7 – $25

Best Basic Speedometer –  BONTRAGER RideTime Elite – $70

Best Bike Computer for City Commuting –  GARMIN Edge 530– $250

Best Bike Computer – WAHOO – ELEMNT BOLT GPS – $300

Best Speedometers Under $50

Main Features: Time / Speed / Distance

CATEYE – CC-VL520 Velo 7

Cheapest bike speedometer by a known brand

MSRP: Check on Amazon

CatEye is a well-known Japanese brand that manufactures bicycle accessories such as speedometers, bike lights, bottle-cages, reflectors, toe clips, etc. Cateye has a wide variety of bike speedometers for each occasion – and the CC-VL520 is by far one of the cheapest options when you’d like to track only the basics – which is often all that is asked for. When you are looking to buy a bike speedometer to know the total distance traveled, Velo 7 is cheap and convenient.

• Speed – Current/Maximum/Average
• Odometer – Overall distance traveled
• Trip distance – Selected distance
• Auto start/stop function – Saves battery life
• Clock
• Wired
• 4/5 out of 35+ ratings

Buy on Amazon.com

LIV Catena

Wireless Computer / LED Backlight / 9 functions

MSRP: $40

The LIV Catena wireless bike computer is an easy way to track your rides. There’s typically a lot to do when setting up a computer, but not with the Catena. This computer has a simple operation and tracks distance, speed, ride time, calories, average speed, and even has an alarm. Other than that, it looks attractive and comes with a replaceable protective silicon case!

• Wireless
• CR2032 battery
• Segment section display

Buy on Mike's Bikes

Best Bike Computers Under $100

BONTRAGER – RIDEtime Elite

Top-quality Non-GPS bike speedometer!

MSRP: $70

This discrete little wireless cycling computer fits snugly in the exact center of the handlebars, directly below the eye line. It slips in and out of its holder with ease, allowing you to quickly remove it for safety when leaving the bike. Compatible with ANT+ wireless sensors like DuoTrap S or Interchange Combo.

• Weight: 40g
• CR2032 Battery-powered
• Large, 2″ easy-to-read screen
• Programmable backlight
• Customizable tri-field display – Speed, HR, Cadence, Power
• AUTO start/stop, auto clear, and auto light control with customizable hands-free scan modes
• Distance – Trip/total
• Time (clock, timer)
• Calories burned
• Speed
• Heart rate (Requires ANT+ compatible sensors such as DuoTrap S or Interchange Combo Sensor for heart rate)
• Power
• Cadence – Current, average, max

Buy on REI

CATEYE – Padrone

Squint-free visibility and a fast, simple set-up

MSRP: Check on Amazon

The Cateye Padrone has a larger than average display for easy visibility and connects conveniently to any style of handlebars via the FlexTight universal bracket. For connectivity, the simple analog wireless sensor can be strapped onto any part of the fork or frame with two included zip ties.

• 3.5/5 out of 35+ratings on REI
• 22% thinner and 85% larger for easy viewing when compared to CatEye Urban Wireless
• SPEEDS – Current, average and maximum speed
• TRIP – Distance, odometer, elapsed time, clock and automatic start/stop
• 2.65″ x 1.7″ display
• ClickTec button interface offers easy navigation between the screens
• Flextight universal mounting bracket fits virtually all handlebars
• Includes a CR2032 battery

Buy on Amazon

LEZYNE – Macro Plus GPS

Smartphone compatible notifications via Lezyne Ally App

MSRP: Check on Amazon

Runtime: Up to 28h / Stores: Up to 200h ride data / GPS / Micro USB rechargeable / Weather-resistant / Temperature / Weight: 60g

The tiny Lezyne Macro Plus is great for riders who like to save space on their handlebars. The waterproof cycle computer can be twisted for both horizontal and vertical orientation and includes GPS mapping. Pair it with your phone to track your cycles or provide turn-by-turn audio navigation. It’s action-packed for something so small!

• Durable, composite construction
• Bluetooth Smart connectivity
• Best Sync – Strava, TrainingPeaks, Today’s Plan
• Multiple real-time features when paired to the Lezyne Ally app
• Import .tcx & gpx. files
• Trainer Mode
• Multiple bike profiles
• Full navigation
• Custom route building

Buy on Amazon

Best Bike Computers Under $300

GARMIN – Edge 530 GPS Bike Computer

Best GPS Bike Computer for general use

MSRP: $300
REI.com / Evo.com

The Garmin Edge 530 is more of a navigation unit than a cycle computer, although it tracks all your stats too. Get full-color maps on the large, high-res display unit and pair them with iOS and Android phones so you can connect with other riders via Garmin apps. It’s also ANT+ compatible so you can use it with a range of speed, heart rate, or cadence sensors. Garmin is by far one of the most known GPS device manufacturers on the market. Other cool features include letting your emergency contact know you if you crash, MTB jump tracking, and anti-theft warnings.

• GPS computer with a high-resolution touchscreen that works with gloves or in rain
• Preloaded Garmin Cycle Map turn-by-turn navigation with Trendline popularity routing
• Compatible with Garmin’s Varia devices
• Compatible with electronic shifting drivetrains
• Features LiveTrack and GroupTrack
• Up to 40 hours of battery life, 20 with GPS
• Customize with free apps and widgets from Connect IQ store

Buy on REI Buy on Evo.com

WAHOO Fitness – ELEMNT BOLT GPS

Best ratings & feedback over time! B&W screen

MSRP: $300
REI.com / Competitive Cyclist

Score – 4.75/5 rating on REI / 15hour battery life / Wireless / Cadence / Temperature / Full speedometer / GPS

The Wahoo Elemnt BOLT is an advanced yet compact bike computer with a sleek and attractive design. It slots nicely into the center of the handlebars for easy access and connects wirelessly with modern ANT+ devices like rear radar detectors. Use it for turn-by-turn GPS navigation or retracing your ride with its Back-to-Start feature. 

Use Bluetooth to sync the Elemnt BOLT with your phone and get special training rides, shared routes, and on-screen Strava Live segments. This powerful, feature-rich little device may be the last cycle computer you ever need to buy!

FOR RACING – Lap Timer / Cadence / High-low target heart rate / Excercise log / Target zone indicator / Stopwatch / Distance

FUNCTIONS – Auto start-stop / Altimeter / Temperature / Low-battery indicator / Wireless / Clock / GPS!

• SPEED – Current / Maximum / Average / Comparator
• Dual Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity pairs with your smartphone and optional sensors including – Power, speed, cadence, heart rate, and more(Sensors not included)
• Complete wireless functionality lets you sync ride data, upload routes, and update software
• Integrated GPS with preloaded global maps
• Optimized routes with turn-by-turn navigation using Route Me Anywhere feature in the ELEMNT app
• View trails on your handlebars – MTB Project To-Do List and Singletracks Wishlist trails can be viewed as routes on the map page
• Over 150 customizable data fields – Select, prioritize and view the metrics that are most important to you
• Perfect View buttons allow riders to zoom in to enlarge two data fields
• Tactile smart buttons make it easy to start, stop or pause ride and toggle between pages
• Quicklook LED indicators can be programmed to display the status of your speed, heart rate, or power pace
• Pair ANT+ rearview radar (not included) to ELEMNT BOLT for real-time proximity of vehicles approaching from behind; vehicles are represented directly on the computer’s screen.
• Back to Start navigation provides a breadcrumb trail to allow you to retrace your route
• Live tracking enables riders to share their location with friends or family
• On-screen Strava Live Segments integration with LED and pop-up alerts
• Syncs with TrainerRoad for easy access to indoor and outdoor workouts
• Control Kickr Bike, Kickr, Kickr Core, and Kickr Snap smart trainers in level, erg, route and ride history mode with ANT+ FE-C control
• LED and pop-up alerts for calls, texts, and emails
• Compatible with leading electronic gear shifters (Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS, FSA WE)
• Sync routes on the go with Bluetooth connection
• Includes: ELEMNT BOLT GPS bike computer plus an aero mount and a stem mount

Buy on REI Buy on Competitive Cyclist

LEZYNE – Mega XL GPS

TRAINING ON THE BIG SCREEN

MSRP: $250
Jenson USA

The rotational Lezyne Mega XL plus has a large display unit with enhanced GPS connectivity for clear mapping and visuals. It has dual connectivity so you can connect it simultaneously with your smartphone via Bluetooth and any ANT+ enabled bike-mounted sensors for data monitoring. View calls, texts, and app notifications while cycling and get a turn-by-turn navigation.

• Large screen with clear, high-resolution graphics.
• Fully integrated with TrainingPeaks and Today’s Plan.
• Dual metrics on one screen keeps it easy to follow.
• Import and follow personalized structured workouts get the most from your training.
• A full complement of essential training data fields all in one place.
• Custom screen layouts have it your way.
• Indoor training mode for when you can’t get outside.

Buy on Jenson USA

Best Bike Computers Under $500

WAHOO – Fitness ELEMNT ROAM GPS Bike Computer

Best high-end performance bike monitor

MSRP: $380
REI.com

Score: 4.5/5 out of 180+ reviews / Wireless / 17-hour battery life / GPS / Cadence

The Wahoo Elemnt ROAM is a larger, full–color version of the smaller BOLT device, with clear and precise mapping for excellent navigation. It makes important mapping easy with its onboard panning and zooming controls, which is great for adventurous rides through unchartered territory. The dual-band connectivity allows simultaneous Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless pairing.

FOR FITNESS – Lap timer, Cadence, Dual Bike Memory, Target Zone Indicator, High/Low target heartrate, Excercise log

FOR TOURING – GPS, Altimeter (Pressure based), Temperature

• SPEED – Current, Maximum, Average, Comparator
• FUNCTIONS – Odometer, Distance, Auto start-stop, Stopwatch, Clock, Backlight, Smart Device Notifications, Low-battery indicator
• 2.7in LED Gorilla Glass Screen
• Ambient light sensor
• Syncs with TrainerRoad – indoor/outdoor workouts
• Dual-band ANT+™ and Bluetooth® connections
• KICKR compatible
• Includes: Stem mount / Aerodynamic out-front mount

Buy on REI

GARMIN – Edge 830 Bundle

The most advanced set to get

MSRP: $400
REI.com

GPS / 20h+ extended battery life / Altimeter / Cadence / 4.25 / 5 out of 200+ ratings on REI

This convenient bundle includes a speed, cadence, and heart rate sensor along with the Edge 830 touch-screen cycle computer and mount. Get detailed information on your performance and vital statistics, including VO2 max, heat, altitude acclimation, hydration, and more. It includes a vibration-detecting bike alarm for extra safety and pairs wirelessly with multiple sensors.

• SPEED – Current, Maximum, Average
• FUNCTIONS – Auto Start/Stop, Clock, Alarm, Dual Bike Memory, Backlight
• FOR FITNESS – Odometer, Trip Distance, StopWatch, Lap timer, Cadence, Target-Zone indicator, High-low Target heart rate, Excercise log,
• FOR TOURING – GPS, Altimeter

PIN-protected bike alarm will notify you on your smartphone if your bike is moved while you are inside getting water or making a pit stop

Can be customized with free apps via Connect IQ Store

MTB functions: Track Jump count, distance and hang times. GRIT & FLOW – Measures the ride difficulty, smoothness, and descent.

Get maps for mountain biking by downloading the free Trailforks app from the Connect IQ™ store to unlock maps, trail conditions, and more. Provides insights on your VO2 max, recovery, training balance, heat and altitude acclimation, nutrition, hydration, and more—when paired with compatible sensors (not included)

Buy on REI

$500+ Bike Computers

GARMIN – Edge 1040

Best bike computer for touring!

MSRP: $600

Complete GPS Package / Battery charge: Up to 35 hours / Cadence / Garmin Varia compatible

The Garmin Edge 1040 is the newest and most advanced cycling computer offered by this brand.

It will track all the metrics you could ever want and its Smart Connectivity functionality allows you to interact with your smartphone directly from the touch screen display.

• 3.5″ screen
• GPS
• Altimeter – How far, fast, and how high you’ve climbed
• Navigation with turn prompts and even shows you how to get back to the start
• Garmin Varia Compatible for enhanced awareness
• Cadence sensor
• Speed sensor

Buy on REI

FAQ

What is a Bike Computer and why use one?

The bike computer is an electrical device to monitor speed, distance, location, cadence, calories burned, etc. Also known as the:

Bike Computer = Bike Speedometer = Cyclocomputer
Cycle Computer = Cycling Computer = Cyclometer = Head unit

The main purpose of the bike computer:

• Keep track of training
• Explore new trail using GPS

What to expect:

• Quick set-up
• Easy-to-use menu
• Accurate & clear screen
• Start-stop function

What are the best bike speedometer brands?

The best bike speedometer and bike computer brands are known to be Garmin, Wahoo, CatEye, Lezyne, Polar, Specialized, Bontrager, etc.

All of those brands are widely used among professional athletes and recreational users due to their ease of use and performance-orientated set-up.

Wahoo – Training equipment for cyclists
CatEye – Specializes in bicycle electronics and optics
Lezyne – Specializes in bicycle accessories
Garmin – One of the leading GPS brands in the world
Specialized – A leading performance-bicycle brand
Bontrager – Produces a wide variety of apparel, accessories, and components

Best apps to monitor cycling stats?

The best cycling applications to monitor cycling stats are known to be Endomondo, Strava, RidewithGPS, Komoot, Garmin, Today’s Plan, Trainingpeaks.

Endomondo – Great for cycling and most ‘silent’ sports. FREE app
Strava – Running and cycling app. FREE app
RidewithGPS – Route planning app for cyclists
Komoot – Great app for bicycle touring
Garmin Connect/Express – Sync your Garmin device with the application for detailed route planning and much more
Today’s Plan – An application for triathletes
Trainingpeaks – Performance sports app for triathletes, cyclists, and runners. Free sign-up

Can I use my SmartWatch to track cycling stats?

Smartwatches can be used for any type of sport out there, although cyclists prefer to use the least limiting devices.

Bike computer PROs over a smartwatch:

• Accurate measures – Starts and stops exactly when in use
• It’s built for one thing only, and it does it well
• Clean screen to track current data

SmartWatch PROs over a bike computer:

• No need for expensive equipment
• Can be used on any bike

What are the main types of bicycles to use a bike computer?

Any type of bike is fine to track the speed and overall distances. Most cyclists use bikes computers on road-, touring-, mountain- and hybrid bikes.

Speedometer for kids’ bikes?

Getting a bike speedometer for kids is a great way to get them interested in cycling. Once the speedometer is installed on the bike, it’s a great way-point to know how much they’ve spent on the saddle. You’ll be surprised by the total amount of miles they’ve pedaled by the end of the summer! Speedometers are a priceless device to get the young hooked on cycling!

Using a Smartphone as a Bike computer a good idea?

A topic that’s gotten a lot of debate – should you use your smartphone to track cycling stats? The point of the bike computer is to show the stats in a convenient way while using the bulky Smartphone (Android, iPhone) on a rigid bicycle handlebar that can damage the smartphone in the long run. There are decent smartphone mounts for handlebars on the market though!

Constant vibration and weather conditions might not make the smartphone a great alternative to real bike computers.

Can I use a speedometer on any bicycle?

Bike computers and speedometers can be used on most bicycles as long as you get the correct reading from the wheel.

Are bicycle speedometers accurate?

Once you’ve followed the set-up instructions correctly, bike computers are accurately showing the statistics of your bike rides. After all, that’s what they were designed to do. In this list, you’ll find speedometers by the most known bike computer brands that can be trusted. If you’d still like to be sure – you can use any cycling app such as Endomondo or Strava to get a second opinion!

Bike Computers on REI Bike Computers on JensonUSA

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About the Author

Mark Hartley

Mark is a cycling enthusiast and freelance writer specializing in travel and technology. He has traveled to 56 countries worldwide, cycling through Africa and Europe. You can contact him on Twitter @splshrollstmble. Mark is behind most of the current bicycle reviews in Bikexchange today. You can check his journeys @splashrollstumble. Specializes in best-of reviews, bike brand reviews, bicycle reviews.